Money
Money & everyday finance guides
Bank switching, credit, budgeting and financial resilience for everyday households.
What do you need to work out?
Pick the closest match. Each path leads to a curated cluster of guides.
I want to switch bank
The switch guarantee, what moves, what to check.
4 guides →I want to understand my credit
Credit files, scores, how to improve them.
6 guides →I'm thinking longer term
Savings, budgeting, planning ahead.
6 guides →I'm struggling to make ends meet
Hardship support, debt help, your rights.
2 guides →Editor’s picks
See all 18 guides →Key Guide
4 guidesCore Guide
6 guidesDeep Dive
6 guidesSupport & Rights
2 guidesThe full library
Showing 6 guides of 18Deep Dive
Section 75 & Chargeback Explained
- Section 75 protects credit card purchases more than £100 and up to £30,000
- Chargeback applies to debit and credit cards
- Section 75 creates joint liability between lender and retailer
- Chargeback is a voluntary card scheme process
- Always raise disputes as soon as possible
FCA Authorisation Explained
- FCA regulates financial firms in the UK
- Authorised firms must meet conduct rules
- You can check the FCA Register
- Authorisation provides complaint rights
Cooling-off periods
- Goods bought online, by phone or on the doorstep: 14 days, starting the day after they arrive.
- Services: 14 days from the day after you agree. If you asked for the service to start sooner, you pay for what's been done.
- Credit agreements: 14 days to withdraw. You repay what you borrowed plus interest for the days you had it, within 30 days.
- Energy switches: 14 days to cancel.
- You can cancel by email, letter or phone. It doesn't have to be in writing, but keep a record.
Breathing Space Scheme Explained
- Breathing Space pauses most creditor enforcement for 60 days
- Interest and charges are frozen during protection
- Must be arranged through an authorised debt adviser
- Mental Health Crisis Breathing Space has extended protection
- It does not write off debt — it provides temporary relief
Debt Management Plans Explained
- A DMP is an informal agreement to repay unsecured debts
- You make one affordable monthly payment
- Interest and charges may be frozen (but are not guaranteed)
- DMPs affect your credit file
- Free regulated providers are available
Priority vs Non-Priority Debts Explained
- Priority debts carry serious legal consequences
- Rent, mortgage, council tax and energy are usually priority
- Credit cards and loans are usually non-priority
- Protect housing and utilities first
- Free debt advice can help prioritise correctly